Program Manager - Directed Energy (Mgr Programs 2) - 29362

Mission Technologies, a division of HII; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mission Technologies, a division of HII, seeks a visionary Program Manager to bridge research/prototype with battlefield deployment. The role uses a MOSA framework and emphasizes open systems integration and high‑tech facility leadership.

The Program Manager for Directed Energy will manage lifecycle from proposal to delivery, interfacing with government customers and stakeholders to ensure program success in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 6 years progressive experience with a Bachelor's in related field; 4 years with a Master's, or 10 years with a HS diploma.
• Minimum 6 years of program management experience in aerospace/defense.
• Experience managing complex technical programs, preferably directed energy or lasers.
• Experience with DoD customers and EVMS, risk, scheduling, and budgeting.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a US Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross‑functional teams across R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
• Oversee cost, schedule, and technical performance; implement EVM as required.
• Serve as primary customer interface; lead program reviews and report progress.
• Manage contract negotiations and scope modifications.
• Identify and mitigate risks; pursue opportunities for growth.
• Oversee suppliers and subcontractors to meet objectives.
• Contribute to strategic direction of the directed energy portfolio.
• Mentor and develop program team members.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Customer engagement

EVMS

DoD contracting

Risk management

Proposal development

Strategic planning

PMP certification

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree in related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

EVMS

Contract management software

Job description

This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII’s Mission Technology division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems. HII works within our nation’s intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.

Leadership at HII – Mission Technologies

• Know & Grow Your People – Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
• Build Relationships – Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
• Take Ownership – Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
• Customer First – Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
• Shape the Future – Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
• Act with Urgency – Make informed decisions and move with purpose.

Job Description

At Mission Technologies, a division of HII, we aren’t just following the curve; we’re defining it. We are looking for a visionary Program Manager to bridge the gap between the research/prototype and battlefield deployment. Our philosophy is built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). We don’t lock ourselves into proprietary silos; we curate and integrate the absolute best industry technology to ensure our warfighters never face a fair fight. With our new state‑of‑the‑art integration and test facilities, we have the infrastructure—now we need the leadership.

As the Program Manager for Directed Energy, you will be the primary architect of program success, overseeing the lifecycle of advanced laser and microwave systems. This isn’t just about oversight; it’s about program execution in a high‑tech environment. This pivotal role is involved in all phases of the program lifecycle, from proposal development and contract negotiation to system integration, testing, and delivery. The successful candidate will serve as the primary interface with government customers and stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and ensuring program success.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have The Following

• Proven track record of managing high‑technology programs from development to deployment
• Familiarity with Directed Energy systems, including HEL or High‑Power Microwave (HPM) technologies
• An understanding of defense contracting and proposal development
• The ability to inspire diverse engineering and production teams in a fast‑paced, "dynamic‑is‑the‑norm" environment
• Must reside within 50 miles of the following locations or a willingness to relocate Knoxville, TN within 90‑120 days

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Program Leadership and Execution: Lead and direct cross‑functional teams, including R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance, to ensure seamless program execution.
• Cost, Schedule, and Performance Management: Oversee and manage program cost, schedule, and technical performance, implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) systems as required, communicating internally to ensure leadership alignment.
• Customer Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, leading program reviews and effectively communicating program status and technical progress.
• Contract Management: Manage contract negotiations, modifications, and ensure adherence to the scope of work.
• Risk and Opportunity Management: Proactively identify and mitigate program risks while identifying and pursuing opportunities for program growth.
• Supplier Management: Oversee key suppliers and subcontractors to ensure they meet program objectives.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the strategic direction of the directed energy portfolio, supporting business development and capture efforts for new opportunities.
• Team Development: Mentor and develop program team members, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Minimum Qualifications

• 6 years relevant progressive experience with Bachelors in related field; 4 years relevant progressive experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years relevant progressive experience.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in program management, with a significant portion in the aerospace and defense industry.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex technical product development programs, preferably in directed energy, lasers, or related fields.Proven ability to manage large‑scale programs, including those with significant budgets.
• Experience working with Department of Defense (DoD) customers.
• Understanding of EVMS, risk management, scheduling, and budget management.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a US level Secret clearance.

Preferred Requirements

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification.
• A strong background in system integration and testing of advanced technologies.
• Strong understanding of government contracting, FAR/DFARS, and ITAR regulations.
• Experience with high‑energy laser weapon systems.
• Completed DAU courses and / or credentials.
• Experience managing programs with EVMS.
• Experience as program management of DoD RDT&E / R&D programs.
• Understanding of all subsystems associated with high energy laser systems.
• Strong relationships with directed energy customers and industry players.
• Conversant in the history of directed energy systems.
• Experience with directed energy systems from R&D to field support.
• An active US level Secret clearance.

Physical Requirements

May be required to visit job site in an industrial or shipboard environment. Normally not required to lift more than 40 pounds higher than three feet above feet/floor level.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role’s location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII’s Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role’s function and a candidate’s education or training, work experience, and key skills.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Do You Need Assistance?

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case‑by‑case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.